BUTTE — Normally the people of Butte see the “M” on top of Big Butte shine with a "V” whenever a Montana Tech athletics team wins a game. But for the past couple weeks it’s been flashing the "V" in solidarity and support of healthcare workers in the community and all across Montana.
From the first breakout of the coronavirus, Montana Tech has been actively involved in aiding the fight, creating 3D-printed masks and extra hospital beds for St. James Hospital and surrounding medical facilities. But a group working closely with Chancellor Les Cook thought it could do more to show its support for the community during this unprecedented time.
“We had a recovery team and they were brainstorming one day and they said, ‘What about the V? Let's light up the V.’ Because I think the whole idea is that Montana Tech is not alone, we're a part of something bigger than ourselves and that’s being a part of the Butte community," said Cook. "So it’s a way to inspire and have people realize we’re going to get through this together. But it’s also celebrating, thanking and acknowledging the healthcare workers who are putting themselves out there to get us through this."
Chancellor Cook also said the university is planning on releasing lanterns into the sky next Monday in which students, faculty and community members will write messages of support before being released.
